It is not the decision of the generals. The PM has to decide.

But, extension is a demand of the circumstances which is not anything out of way.

General may not believe, but in the best interest of Pakistan, the incomplete work need to be progressed and that requires for now our general.

This was the response expected from Gen. Raheel Sharif but Sir nation needs you.

I think that should be the trend unless country is under war!

Sir you may not believe in extensions but the nation demands that you finish the job you started even if it means an extension.

If he retries he should be make defense minister b/c country needs him.

Good Decision!!

National interest is supreme, individuals come and go but country has to come first before any individual. I hope the new leadership after General Sharif continue with his legacy of zero tolerance on terrorism.

He is right institution is most important not a post we should support to institution not a personality or position. General Raheel sharif is a great general who lead an army of lions with weak political system and give time to politician to solve the problems but the politicians is not interested for good thing.

This guy is true and devoted soldier for his country . A big regard from India

Make Institution stronger rather than people. This is the only way things will get on right track.

@Assad Khan We are at war, sir! Enemy need not be foreign!

@M.Saeed What circumstances? Nothing new or major is happening that hasnt happened before. His successor will be equally capable and will be able to deal with it.

What a great soldier he is...putting his weight behind the institution and not some individuals...a hero...true leader of Pakistan...

A true soldier. We need such people running the country ... not who get richer and get their children on the feast too - once they get in power

great general

Great Man - Great General - SALUTE!!!

@Delhi wala thanks yara.

Spoken like a true soldier! His statement reflects the realization in the army high command that the war against terrorism will go on for years just as Obama has said! Gen Raheels legacy will be best preserved if he opts to stay out of politics after retirement!

Professional soldier to the core.

he will be remembered in history as a general retired with dignity

The nation will never forget your greatness in making this statement. InshaAllah we will be seeing more of you ,after the lapse of a few years, in the arena of public service as Mr Rahil Sharif, as a new elected representative leader.

One of the great Generals of the best Army in the world!

As an Indian, I applaud this person's honesty and integrity.

Compare this to our tried and corrupt government. They'll come back no matter what it takes, from NRO to amendments in law. I respect his decision.

9/9 · Scored 100% Result: Field marshal... Guess i know more about the Gen then my Lessons :P

Great general will leave us at the mercy of zardari and sharif. what a pity

No EXTENSION ! really ?

Good to know that - he should be made Interior Minister of Pakistan after retirement..

Respect. We need to build institutions - not people. Regardless, General Raheel took up the most challenging assignment that his predecessor could not (in 6 years) and did a commendable job.

Interest of country demand that a determined person towards eradicating terrorism and corruption should head armed forces therefore extension should be granted to General Raheel Shareef & he should accept it in best interest of Pakistan . Further should carry on action in full thrust.

I am crying in despair on hearing this news,

Not good. He is a fearless leader and country needs his sustained efforts against terror and extremism.

I know you are a honorable man, but for the sake of Pakistan you have to sacrifice your high principles and lead the nation until permanent peace rests here.

kiyani didn't deserve an extension but perhaps this guy does

A general is always a general he will still be active in secret services and helpful for the nation just like Parvez Musharraf after retirement and we will get to know lots of stories just like Parvez Musharraf tells us.

He should join politics and become next PM, we don't have hope in any current leaders.

He deserves As Foreign Minister &/ Defense Minister

Only enemies of Pakistan will be happy at this news, entire Pakistan will observe a day of sadness when he retires, our spirits will be very low.

But nation needs Raheel!

Army is not barren - it is capable of churning out good leaders. An extension demoralizes the rank and file - as others are deprived of the opportunity to lead. Ayub, Yahaya, Zia, Mushraf and Kayani - all deprived their juniors the opportunity to lead which they reserved.

So Gen RS - GO HOME WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH. I, like many missions others, respect you.

Right decision

Sir, perhaps you don't have an option, when the complete nation demands your services for one more term.

Then we are Pakistani too, we will come on streets and will request you to accept the extension. General you have to stay man, You are proud of our nation and finally we are getting out of this long mess.

Sad day for Pakistanis on hearing this news.

I felt a blade in my heart after reading this article.

You are right COAS........... we don't need anyone to go for extensions and put a break on promotions in all over army. There are many more competent officers who can run army business well.... Have a good retirement life........ Bye Bye General

We need him. Pakistan needs him

Raheel Sharif Zindabad. He should be given the position of Supreme Leader or else you will have the same crooks trying to fool people for the rest of our being.

If he loves the country he need to stay other wise when he go they will start looting again

I admire him for saying this. It would have Ben better had he added "all other officers who can become COAS when he retires are equally capable of leading Pak Army and continuing the policies without any problem".

This issue of extension in service has to b brought to an end. No one wants to leave their post in our country and they have to be thrown out in the end. So, good luck Mr Sharif.

For once it is need of the hour and nation's wish too.. Please consider.

@Thought Think again are you sure that you will come on the street to demand his extension? We are nation of dead people. We can only support him through this forum and nothing.

Pakistan need your services for some time long General.

Reconsider Sir. The country needs you. Your point is one of honor. But I think personal and professional honor are after country's need.

Dear General Sahib, The whole country is supporting you and your team with the good work. You are leaving a lasting legacy,but please don't stop it yet as there is still lots to do. Please ,please stay we need you.

Good decision. He has done his job. Let others take over and make the system stronger rather the individual

I respect his decision to take the retirement on time. I strongly believe that Pak Army will have another general who is as professional as Gen. Raheel Sharif. He is setting up the benchmark very high for every General to follow.

This Nation is proud to have a son like you.

Although I immensely admire Gen Raheel Sharif and what he has done for the country in last two years BUT I think he should pass on the baton to the next person, whom he has hopefully mentored and can continue the excellent work he has started. Institutions should not be tied to a person unless we believe that Pakistan army is incapable of producing another fine General. Pakistan army should not be like PMLN and PPP which is a domain of one single person or a family. I am sure the next general, rising from the mentor-ship of Gen Raheel, will be as good as Gen Raheel if not better.

I think he should get another star instead of a tenure extension and give the commanders of regional commands another star as well. This would make our defense structure much more flexible at inter corps level. Moreover CJCSC and his office should be made the for functional to increase the effectiveness & cooperation of all three forces and to enhance their joint operational capabilities.

nation needs you!

Not only has General Raheel taken the right decision to retire on time, but he has also done well to make it public so early. Thank you General Sahib! Let's hope the next chief is someone equally brave and capable...

Declare him Cheif Marshal he deserves this

So we go back to the ways of the old.... Political parties are happy. The corrupt can enjoy this.

Just remember no one is indispensable. He can retire.

I see many people urging him to stay as the country needs him. I totally respect the sentiments of the people. But democracy should be governed by rules and constitution not the sentiments and opinions.

Looks like he had enough.

not a good announcement; count down has been started!

But nation needs you sir and if it's your final decision then federal govt should give defense ministry to you after retirement.

Salute to the dignified general and respect for his decision .

It's bandied about that Pakistan is in a state of war and in most crucial stage at this moment. Would it be possible and wise to change the most crucial figure in this war?

Great Leader has great intention, I salute him, but the extension is necessary for us specially extension of that genuine and sincere officer who would not like to keep his grip on his designation.

Wise decision by the General. Even wiser would be to join Musharaff after retirement.

Nothing but respect for you General . While extension feels tempting and justifiably desirable to the nation as a whole .. it is wise to let go as a hero when the time is right or else see oneself become a villian unrelenting . The law stands supreme . Glad the army is leading by example .

General Sharif has been the one and some argue the only shining light for Pakistan at a most difficult time providing a solid backbone that the nation so very much needed. Ultimately the decision to retire should be his and his alone so what musharaf is saying is of little consequence as he has too much to say on all matters. Pakistan will do well to learn from the general and put in place a equally decent and sincere person to replace him.

A very good news. We need him in the politics.

in normal circumstances, there is no need for any extension. But in our case here , we are at war , we have lost more innocent lives in this war , even compared to some other countries who are officially at war. One expect that all top brass should be capable of leading the forces , but not every person is the same. How Raheel Sahrif is leading this war from the front and the zeal he has shown to put this to the end "once and for all" , I doubt it can be matched.So in the best interest of this country PM & president on behalf of the nation , should request Raheel shareef to finish the task successfully.

Believe it or not, country badly needs your key role in fighting the terrorism and supporting the democracy while keeping the politicians within limits. I am pretty sure, govt., will not allow you to retire in the best interest of country if they do care.

@on looker :agreed

Great decision.

For the corrupt politicians it will be a good news . Rest of the nation will mourn . We need you sir.

Good decision. I am sure the new Army Chief will be equally competent and demonstrate firm resolve in fighting terrorism as did General Raheel Shareef.

What a man. The General has gone up in my esteem for his thoroughly professional decision.

@Shahzad S Iqbal A General always gives orders and he should not work under corrupt politicians. He should remain a General as he is a brave soldier. Time has come we should decide who is going to lead us as leader, the army or the politicians or a leader. Industries are becoming bankrupt Pakistan Steel PIA etc. We should work to make unity in country and an stable strong economy. We need a leader.

By saying that the Pak Army is the great institution, General Raheel believed that the army will follow the precedents going to be set by Chief of Army Staff. He is indeed a great soldier and an invaluable asset of this country.

We have got a hope after a long time. #Nationneedsyou!

Sad news

He shall earn respect for being a honest professional soldier.

Bad decision.

He is a True Soldier , Being Indian I salute him .

@Zeeshan a pm who came to poeer after massive rigging whose only 8nterests is to safeguard his own business by sidelining national interests.

A good man...........amongst a very, very few good men.

In my opinion all good work he and his team has done so far needs continuity and he is the best person we know off,not undermining good people in line.I think it's about what Pakistan needs.

This is what leaders are made up what.

Please don't go sir, we need you :(

A right decision indeed! welcomed!!

A very good decision. He did a commendable job but it's time for him to leave. To my fellow countrymen! Have faith in your army. I am sure an equally capable person will replace him. Let's give chance to a new General to conclude the war.

No No, we want Gen Raheel, the only hope in these times.

@Zeeshan It is the prerogative and decision of COAS whether to continue. PM decides but COAS has the right to decline.

@Zeeshan Not true here. It is and always has been the other way around.

great man!!!!

Institution should be bigger than the individuals.

Its sad to see a Chief to come out and say that ... speak volumes of our civvies' control on the State.

Good decision soldier. This nation will always remember your services with great respect and admiration. We hope that new chief will take inspiration from you and continue to develop army as a formidable bulwark against all the internal and external threats.

By dispelling all the speculations, you have proved that you are true to your great family and military traditions. Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan are proud of your services you have rendered for this nation.

A salute from a common Pakistan.

Pakistan army is a great institution and there are a number of competent soldiers who can carry his policies along. A great decision and it was expected of him as a great soldier. May he live long.....

Good people make good decisions. This is one more good example of a good honest competent man, a rare quality. He may retire but his services and his contribution will never be forgotten.

@Zeeshan Everyone knows Pakistan has incompetent PM...He can't decide anything..

This Guy is really Good. I truly appreciate him. Long Live Raheel....

A wise decision, General. None is indispensable. However, we have a culture of routine extensions. Let us see what happens.

PM Sharif, I believe you want what is best of the country. Right now the best interest of the country demands that Gen. Sharif continue with the wonderful work he has started. Corruption cannot be rooted out by political parties.

Best of luck.

If he does or does not retire. Pakistan stands to gain eitherway. As it shows that democracy and peoples will is here to stay. Now just hope that NS does not ask for any extension.

He is the best thing that has happened to Pakistan. Hope for pakistan's sake he stays on. Seems like a guy of principle and integrity. Much better than his predecessor I dare say

Great Work so far from Him, Extension or Retirement, either way we are thankful to General Raheel Sharif......

If its true then at last sanity prevailed. A good decision will set the good precedent. This shift from people to institutions will be a healthy change.

A true and honest person.This is the family background and he know how to preserve this.You work for your institution, and country and there are always better people to serve the country.

great person he is. I think it is the right decision otherwise every one will look such things on one or other reason. This will deprive the promotion of the people coming up and aiming for that position. We should make institution strong otherwise what will happen after another one or 2 years of extension of this great person.

@Dr faizan lets hope all next general follow his footsteps not the musharraf or kiani

General is also a master strategist. He will retire on time as an honorable man but by doing and announcing so he is achieving two goals.

1. Putting our power hungry politicians in a very awkward situation who would have loved to make him stay and thus taint his image.

2. Sending a strong message to Pakistani people to believe in themselves as a nation and stop making demi-gods out of personalities.

Very long term thinking that too with honour and personal example.

That would be a Good precedence set if he serves his full term and pass on the COAS job to the next most capable person among the eligible brass heads .

@Jehanzeb Idrees These so called civics are the ones who are forcing him to say what he said. They think they can run this country, but they are looting it and the money ends up in other foreign countries. They are a political Mafia. What they are doing is all in front of your eyes. Nothing is going to change unless people of Pakistan bring in ordinary loyal People to run this country.

@Nazir ok bring gilani or Raja ashraf back. hope they can decide better than him. IK decision we have seen in Assembly or KPK. you will also see response to IK decision in 2018 election

I hope whoever comes is a lot more harsher then you, sir. You've tried your best indeed, Thank you General Raheel Sharif. Unfortunately, we're being run by crooks. From our prime minster, right down to our bureaucrats.

This means that he has great belief in the army as an institution. We hope, that all leaders in Pakistan learn from that, and develop a similar approach.

Please, stay 4 more years at least. Pakistan needs brave soldiers like you. Please.

Pakistan needs you

good news. No one is indispensable, only organizations matters. Hats off.

PPP should be loving this news !!!!

I don't believe in extension, will retire on due date: Gen Raheel Sharif... Probably general says enough is enough... It is not worth it... unless it is martial law..

@Zeeshan. Its for the general to decide if he wants to continue or not. He can refuse it if he may.

We need some like him who can make right decision on right time.

@Zeeshan you are petty. It is the decision of a proud General. Got it?

@Anousherwan zero tolerance for terrorism is well past. We need zero tolerance for corrupt governance.

Good decision General, and an honourable one. Make the institution stronger.

How can we let him go? why only good people left and corrupt stay to tear us apart?

He should stay on , may be in an advisory role to get Pakistan and also to an extent India out of the mess.. He has shown a great character!

General Raheel Sharif has provided superb leadership at an extremely difficult juncture in Pakistan's history. In the national interest, he must be prevailed upon to stay on the job until his task is complete.

Good Decision from COAS......... if he decided to stay ........ later on people will call him Dictator as well ......although he is more popular than any other civil or military Person.......... being time.........

I pray that his successor will be as capable as him and would provide much needed continuity to the current policies and operations being carried out.

He is a man of dignity and true solider.

@SHAHID MAHMOOD

Sir, agreed 100 per cent. But the responsibility of running Pakistan properly eventually rests with the people of Pakistan. They should choose their representatives carefully. No civilised society asks its soldiers to protect it from external AND internal enemies at the same time.

@Faraz I Hussain fully agree Sir.

He is setting a good precedence. Great.

General Sahib you are a great person. Any politician in Pakistan is miles away from you. General Perwaiz Musharraf could have been a match but nobody knows how he would come forward in today's corrupt political society of Pakistan. General Raheel Sharif please do reconsider your descition about your retirement. All sorts of Mullas and agents of our enemy countries which are mainly four are waiting for your retirement to boost their destructive activities harming Pakistan. Please General Sahib only you can give peace to Pakistan. The politicians if not checked by people like you will make piece of Pakistan.

180 million people of Pakistan wants his extension and few politicians don't want, let's see how democratic Pakistan is.

Good riddance

Excellent example. I hope new chief will continue efforts against terrorism and also stay away from Saudi calls to join sunni military force. Army should continue to work in the best interests of country but not to serve slaves and beneficiaries of so called kings

That's that, folks! A serious #ThankyouRaheelSharif. You will be remembered as someone very special.

Long live Pakistan

A noble man. A man who strongly believes in the continuity of the system and not individuals. Gen. Kayani (r) pales in comparison to serving COAS. Salams

Let the new and better ideas come

I dont care who has the right to give extension or ask for one all I would like to see COAS to stay as long as it takes to clean the mess up...Mr COAS we are 1000% behind you..plz dont leave us in limbo

He should be given an extension by the PM

Institutions should not lead by a person. They should be strong enough so that whoever takes over does not change the policies. Through out the world army general retires . They don't get extensions. If he gets extension then this means that the other generals in line are incompetent. If they are unable to lead the army then why they become generals ???

General, country needs you. You must stay. Your own belief of not taking extension is noble, but circumstances dictate the need for a brave, visionary, clean, and incorruptible person to continue.

WE need you direly. The nation needs you terribly. Please two hundred million want your extension. Don't leave the country in the pack of hounds and wolves.

Sir: Extension or not, as an NRI Indian I salute General Raheel Sharif for his courageous stand and fight against the Taliban and its associates in Pakistan. He is relentlessly fighting the ferocious foe that is demoralizing and destabilizing Pakistan at the cost of precious army lives. People all over the world are with General Sharif in his mission to rid Pakistan of terrorists. I must also point out that his predecessor General Ashfaq Kayani repeatedly refused to move on the Taliban for unknown reasons. I laud General Sharif's courage and determination. Rolland

Highly commendable on part of this great soldier and great son of soil. Words will never suffice to tribute his selflessness, dedication and what he accomplished for the nation. A great soldier and at the same time a great constitutionalist imbued with true love for democracy. I hope he forms his own political party and succeeds to serve the country through the next elections.

@waqar

Remember who appointed Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif, did you really even really hear of him, before a wise choice from PM of Pakistan, Mohamad Nawaz Sharif. Our respect to both.

@Assad Khan, country is under war.

Extension of shareef is good for Pakistan.

A right action by Raheel Sharif. This will be best for Pakistan's future. Institutions and syatems should be strong rather than personalities. We will never welcome any martial law again. however, we will keep tight watch on democratic governments and do good opposition

Zardari and party is very happy now! isn't it?

A respectable Salute to the army chief Gen. Raheel Shareef. Sir, you have undertaken your responsibilities in the best possible way. Good results are showing all around, the entire population of our beloved mother really appreciate your gesture of not seeking extension but at this juncture of time can we afford to change the rhythm & velocity of the ongoing action against internal & external terrorism & threats, the answer is NO. This is not because the nation has even a small iota of doubt in the future Army leadership, this is because the terrorists & enemy of Pakistan should not develop any misunderstanding or doubt about the continuation of action against them. Sir the nation needs you to please consider continuing as the Army chief for at least 3 years more from the end of your current tenure. Please.

Though from the larger interest and institutional building perspective his decision is laudable, I doubt this will be in the interest of immediate needs of the Nation.

More over, during his tenure, he has earned enmity of whole lot of Militants and they will be happiest lot to hear this news. And god forbid, may be planning revenge post his retirement. Honorable General, be safe!

May be best thing Happen to Pakistan.!

Now its high time also to put limit to retire for politicians also at the age of 60 yaers.

Mature response by army leadership which also shows maturity among army circles, because in world public institute ruined by extension of heads, extension suppress the incoming talent and promote buttering culture within institute. A positive man is always positive either in army dress or civilian dress. So it is good decision by general Raheel which shows his loyalty with his profession, country and open mind for incoming juniors generals to express their abilities, also discourage the lust for power.

NATION wants you to stay, you are our HERO.

A disaster in waiting if he retires.

This is unfortunate but this is true!!

The only wise decision taken by Nawaz Sharif in his entire life was to appoint Gen Raheel Sharif as Army Chief. Nation salutes you Gen Raheel. A real 'khandani' person.

@khanm If RS wanted to impose martial law, he had enough opportunities. Respect the man for who he is, what he's done and his stance, instead of trying to fabricate lies about him.

Your retirement date is when all the mafias and terrorist organistations are finished.

SIR please consider to serve this nation little longer. Your work and effort is greatly appreciated and needed in this time of peril.

We should trust the institution that has produced Raheel Sharif is also capable of producing more generals with the same leadership and dynamism. The good general has led well and inshallah will be remembered as such, a good leader who inspired all others around him. The next crop of generals should be given the chance to lead the Army and continue to do even better than Gen Raheel Sharif. After all isn't this the legacy that any soldier would like to leave behind?

A professional decision of a personality with integrity. I think, he should stick to his decision before he is made controversial like many others. Anyway, a country should not be dependent upon personalities and vested interests would try their level best to drag him into controversy and gain their personal benefits by inviting him to stay.

He proved it before at the time of dharna, and would prove it again by retiring on time, that he is a true professional and patrior Pakistani.

Good. No person should be above system. System is 3 years and so be it! The persons change, systems need to continue.

@Niaz Sorry No! General is like any other General. System needs to move.

@Abdul Rahman Sir doesnt need to serve nation, institute needs to.

Hats off to him. If he does accept extension, this will aid in building institution and his legacy of stepping away from power will live on.

Reminds me of George Washington who could have easily taken over reigns of power after defeating power but he resigned as commander in chief and helped nurture American democracy.

We salute you!!'

Say Goodbye to Pakistan if he retires on time unless a similar or better COAS takes his place. Pakistan is surviving only because General Sharif took some tough decisions, otherwise these politicians would have caused havoc with their corruption and looting. General Sharif should have done more against the corruption of the politicians. I hope the new General is better than General sharif in removing corruption, loot and plunder done by the politicians.

General you say this according to the normal norms but the nation say "NO" to your decision . If the country is not of the crisis you have to stay , how ? we don,t know.

I hope he forms his own political party after retirement

Every politician happy now. Respect for Gen Raheel is now more than ever before. A true soldier.

He if patriotic and the whole nation is proud of him wish other leaders should learn from him and also leave good name which will be remembered forever but the wealth they are trying to gain trough stealing the nation, that money will not last for long. So why not good name then temporary wealth? I respect his decision and ask him to do something more for pakistan as he is capable and we trust him as whole nation long live RS.

In my opinion Gen Raheel must stay for long time as we need him desperately to grow Pakistan in peaceful environment. He is dedicated, sincere, honest and brave soldier and Pakistan can only progress under his guidance and supervision. He must eradicate all corrupt politicians and he must do this even he is unwilling to continue.

90% of people of Pakistan demand Gen. Raheel Sharif extension. Dawn please do a survey.

@Assad Khan And aren't we Under War right now??

Did you people listen to ISPR that army is an institution and they work with best policies. He should definitely retire for the best interest of the institution and next General and so on. Let the democratic institutions should grow and prosper too. PM also selected Musharaf and extension greed killed our democratic system. It should be mandatory by law and should be in our constitution that to retire COAS without the possibility of any of so kind extension. Power should be given to the constitution of Pakistan not the president or PM

Our beloved General,s partenership with Nawaz Sharif is vital force for revival of drowning nation.Only these two leaders are leading the entire world.After his retirement enemy of state will begin their activities and culprits will begin their hienus crimes again.May he live long!

I think Rizwan Akhtar will be next COAS.

Extension is the need of the hour and demand of every Pakistani. Gen Raheel should not run away from his patriotic duty.

If you go, who will save us from the TTP and Bike-riding target killers?

He is doing his job ... Our job is not to let Sharifs and Zardaris come back

@Economy This is what civilized Generals do in civilized countries. Yes he is better than some of his predecessors, no he is not doing anything exceptional!! I respect this person though.

Politicians are very happy

Musharraf started the legacy of going after terrorists. General Sharif, took it to the next level. I think we should respect General Sharif's decision. Just goes to show that if the institution are working right, only true talent will raise to the top. Judges need to bring justice in the judiciary system too. We can't expect anything from politicians, they will always be the lowest cast in the society.

I see the reaction of Gen Shareef for his extension ...This is what PPP and Ishaq Dar wanted....Nawaz must extend his term since it is the demand of time...

When General Raheel Sharif took baton from General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani nobody knew his qualities as an army chief. He proved himself by his actions and everybody is demanding an extension to him. So why anybody should doubt ability of General Sharif's successor.

General Raheel Sharif is greatly respected and admired not just in Pakistan, but worldwide for his courageous leadership against the global War on Terror. Pakistan is considered the epicenter of world terrorism, therefore its imperative in the national interest that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif extends his tenure of duty for continuity of his bold strategy and commitment to win this deadly war.

A man who can do some thing in the best interest of country has come after many years, perhaps first after Ayub Khan, and must remain in position for some more time.

This may be a good decision for you sir but it is a bad new for Pakistan. Pakistan is kidnapped by greedy politicians, taking Pakistan to point of no return. Pakistan need a General like you more than ever.

Well done Sir. True professional to the core.

Very sad news. I would like to see General in uniform until he carries out current tasks successfully.

The decision of COAS General Raheel Sharif to retire on due date is a best decision as for as the morale of Pakistan army is concerned and it is in the larger interest of democracy in Pakistan. The actions taken by the current government with the push of the military general would be written in the history of Pakistan. No doubt the post of Chief of armed forces of Pakitan is more powerful than the any other post in a country like Pakistan but it also depends on the personality and the actions taken by the generals in their time. The important question which crops up immediately whether the new stepping in general would be such professional and continue action with full vigor against the ongoing malady of militancy and root out all types of extremism from Pakistan and bring peace and harmony in the country.

@Zeeshan If the general show his willingness for extension in his tenure the PM surely will give extension but Raheel Sharif himself is not willing.

RAHEEL should reconsider his decision. country needs him badly.

please do not leave us at mercy of terrorists.

Please please don't retire Gen Shareef. The enemies of our country, including the corrupt politicians would love to see you go but we, the nation, will not let that happen.

Good decision. This will definitely elevate respect for him in everyone's eyes.

However, the graveyard is full of indispensable people. The next in line must be given his due right to become COAS. You never know, he may even be brighter than him.

No more extensions!

dear sir your retirement is not a good omen for the nation you murt be given tenure track like professors because your work is very great

General sharif is the only honorable man in the present situation,if he leaves , we will be left with only the incompetent ,corrupt, beurocracy and the so called democracy.

Please Do NOT Retire. The nation needs you very badly, do not leave until your mission is accomplished and that is finish the terrorists.

Sir whole nation will be disappointed to see you go. Only Pakistan's enemies and corrupt politicians will be happy to see you go

Sir your extension will serve the best interest of the country and nation, please consider it for the welfare of your countrymen.

Excellent and timely statement by the great general.

Please get all those punk and corrupt politician before you retire. We all depending on you for clean up. Please do us a big big favor.

Thanks.

Bravo! Gen-Raheel, bless you on your decision for extension, but you'll make a magnificent Minister of Defense that Pakistan ever had, . . .

Very good step. Stability of system is more important than one person. Congratulations Gen. Sharif.

@Zeeshan You are wrong, no one can force Pak Army General Raheel Sharif to take extension unless He wanted to stay willingly.

For the sake of Pakistan survival, I hope Raheel Sharif will form his own political party to challenge corrupt politicians.

@Malik ...Completely disagree... Saving corrupt politicians will destroy the country. We are not ready for western democracy. We have seen PPP(3 times) and PML N(3 times) total failure...

Continuity of Institution .....yes.....continuity of one individual....no.

Aftet categorically denial of CNC For seeking extension in service as confirmed and tweeted by ISPR. This chapter may be treated as closed for good.

It took years to find a person like him to take over the charge of our military. It will be to our disadvantage to see him go. I hope he reconsiders and stays on, until the job is complete!

hail to the man

he was honest , upfront and was behind lots of great initiatives for Pakistan

Wish nothing but the best for you Sir

Gen Sharief need to stay and complete missions to eradicate goons and terrorism. PPP and other parties want him to go as they want to lawlessness and chaos in country.

When someone asks how people feel hope in our country - show them this great mans photo.

Gen. Sharif should retire on due date, let next senior general take command, institution of the army is more important than individual.

You have won the heart of the nation; commendable decision. Now form your political party, hopefully nation will support you; if not; then God Bless Pakistan.

PM created a way for himself to rule Pakistan three times? Will PM understand the wishes of a honest and straight forward general?

@Niaz Nope; General Raheel should form his political party or align with like minded political parties, form a government "InshaAllah", and go full force against corruption, terrorism and nepotism; this is the call of the day. Now is the time for all the honest and good men to come to the aid of the plan that Gen will put forward once he retires.

@Atif Khan He Should be the president of the Pakistan; enough of this parliamentary form of government; amend the constitution.

@pashtunyar I agree with you half way; he should get into politics.

Every Jawan, or any rank, in the army thinks of the motherland and doesn't care for his own life. This has been proved scores of times by the Pak army, be it to defend the country or help in disasters and calamities. General RS your decision has undoubtedly taken you to the height of character but your decision is belying the opening sentence. The present or any other civilian government couldn't tackle the problems of today's Pakistan had you and your institution not helped. So please for God's sake don't make it your decision. The nation wants you to stay in. You have a very clear distinction from other generals who took over in the past. You belong to a family of Shaheeds. Remember Shaheed Aziz Bhtti and Shaheed Shabbir Sharif. The entire nations wants you. If you don't change what you are thinking about your redtirement/extension, the whole nation will come on the roads IN YOUR SUPPORT AND DEMANDING OF YOU TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE NATION.

Musharraf proven right... yet again

A true professional and a pragmatist. He is right, the rules and regulations should hold for all; and should permit other capable cadres opportunity and hope for promotion.

General Raheel Sharif commands respect. His decision clearly shows that he is an upright man and does not look for his own interest. Even after his retirement people will remember him with great respect. He will enjoy a special place in the history of Pakistan.

Gen Sharif, I salute you for your decision. You have made the nation proud, restored the military's moral and executeing your term as a capable COAS.

There goes Karachi and Sindh in the tube. PPP looters will be back in the form.

@Assad Khan Country is under war

By Name You Are Raheel Shariff.

By your Deeds You Are Real Shariff.

As A Brave Soldier, You Defended Pak Borders.

You Have As Yet Much To Shoulder.

Wish all Shareefs in Pakistan were this shareef. Salute to the greatest General.

Shall we ever have a system which takes care of these matters rather than a general himself have to tell this?

@M.Saeed System should work and no extension should be granted.

Sign of an honest man. Institution not person. All other leaders both military and civilian needs to follow. We need to make our institutions strong and empower people .

@Assad Khan country is undergoing a war

General Sharif, Thanks for all the effort you put in to remove terrorism from the country, only a brave and honest man can do that.

@pashtunyar As long as he is elected by fair means and conducts himself as an honest representative of people, why not? He can set an example to younger leaders.

@k k tiwari After going through the electoral process.

@Qazi Saad He can join politics and clean up the stable.

Good decision let the institute's run institute are bigger than personatliy's.

Good decision of Gen Raheel Shareef.Salute to him .

He will retire on time and then contest election.

Extension is the need of the hour...

@Satt super yara (-: (-: (-:

Yeah let's praise him now for following the constitution. Pakistanis need to respect their constitution

He want to escape from the current situation of the country..he have earned enough popularity he don't want to loss this status..otherwise the country was need him at least for 2 years more to completely remove the corruption and terrorism but he not want to become controversial politically because some politician whose have made lots of Assets by corruption not want to see him more on this post..so announcing this he want to become more popular among politician but the civil society will disappointed by his this decision.

Obviously a man with principle. Salut.

The pakistani nation will sign the extention. we simply cant afford to let him go.

Call of duty, the General is required to enter politics, lead the country and guide its destiny like a true "sharif" that he is. Pakistan has been waiting for such an individual, Pakistan will vote for him with their hands and feet. A word of caution to the General, do not disappoint.

A bold reply to all those expecting some concession in lieu of extension. And rest assured the NAP will keep on unabated against all criminals and terrorists, to it's logical end. Wishes of 20 crores Pakistanis are more sacred than few NRO benefited politicians.